Belal Muhammad open to “smacking up” Dricus du Plessis after past comments made by UFC middleweight champion
Belal Muhammad isn't opposed to fighting Dricus du Plessis for a second UFC world title down the road.
At UFC 304, Muhammad made his dreams come true by dethroning Leon Edwards of welterweight gold. 'Remember The Name' successfully executed his grappling-heavy game plan and dominated a majority of the five-round main event, leading to a unanimous decision scorecard (48-47 x2 and 49-46).
Following his life-changing performance, Muhammad joined the media for a post-fight press conference. While discussing what's next, the new welterweight king mentioned several top contenders at 170 pounds. The 36-year-old also had this to say about moving up to middleweight if he can clear out his division:
"I just want to be the guy that did everything you said I couldn't do. Then if we go up and if, what's his name, Dricus [Du Plessis] still has the title, he beats, what's his face, [Israel] Adesanysa, he was trying to talk tough to me, I'll go smack him around, try to get two belts."
On Aug. 17, Dricus du Plessis will defend his middleweight title for the first time to settle an intense rivalry with Israel Adesanya. The intriguing matchup to determine the 185-pound king goes down inside the RAC Arena in front of Adesanya's loyal supporters in Perth, Australia.
Watch Belal Muhammad's comments below (5:20):
When would Belal Muhammad receive an opportunity to become two-division champion?
Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to become the UFC featherweight champion. Topuria quickly mentioned his interest in fighting for a second UFC strap, which was denied by Dana White. The UFC CEO claimed he wanted 'El Matador' to defend his title several times before considering the idea.
Therefore, Belal Muhammad must focus on taking out top welterweight contenders, especially Shavkat Rakhmonov. Following three or four title defenses, the UFC brass might consider Muhammad moving up to middleweight.
The number three-ranked Rakhmonov holds an undefeated professional MMA record of 18-0, including a 100% finish rate and six wins under the UFC banner.
Rakhmonov last fought in December 2023, defeating Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson by second-round submission. Although it's unconfirmed, 'Nomad' could receive his opportunity to face Muhammad and potentially become the UFC welterweight champion later this year.